CRIME has almost doubled in a village in the past month, with incidents of criminal damage rising.

Figures published by Surrey Police on its website show there has been 23 incidents of reported crime in Byfleet from January 14 to February 10.

During the previous period, from December 17 to January 13, there were 12 incidents of reported crime.

There has been one house burglary and three burglaries at non-residential properties, compared to two in the previous period. Incidents of criminal damage have increased from six incidents in the earlier period to 12 in the most recent.

Theft of cars and of items from vehicles have also increased from one incident to four in the latest period.

New beat bobby PC Phil Beach took over from Nick Griggs, who had policed the area for almost a decade, at the start of the year.

Byfleet councillor Esther Watson Green said she was shocked to hear about the figures. She said: “I am concerned.

“At the last police meeting it was brilliant because during the Christmas period the figures went down and I thought that was great.

“I am concerned that they have gone up. I will be checking this out as I have not heard of any specific incidents that have been of concern in Byfleet.”

Figures for neighbouring West Byfleet are more positive, revealing a 50% reduction in crime.

The statistics show a reduction from 23 incidents in the period from December 17 to January 13 to 15 crimes in the period from January 14 to February 10.

Jean Smith, who lives in Royston Road, Byfleet, said: “Our police community support officers are very good and if you give them a ring about something, they do arrive quickly.

“Personally I have not been troubled by any problems but I know that things go on.”

PC Beach refused to comment on the statistics and the police press office was unavailable for a response.